CARPE SHUCK ‘EM! This year’s Ontario Oyster Festival on Sunday, July 19th in support of Environmental Defence pays tribute to the Ancient Romans and their love of the Oyster

TORONTO, ON – On Sunday, July 19th join hundreds of oyster enthusiasts for a shuckin’ good time at the annual Ontario Oyster Festival. Enjoy Neptune’s freshest oysters and lobster. Watch live bands and Ontario’s best oyster shuckers in action and celebrate oyster culture in support of Environmental Defence, Canada’s most effective environmental action charity. Ontario Oyster Festival and Ontario Oyster Shucking Competition WHEN: Sunday, July 19, 2015; GATES open at 2PM WHERE: Laneway beside Rodney’s Oyster House at 469 King Street West, Toronto PHOTO OPS at 3:30PM (Primitus), 5:30PM (Secundus): BATTLE OF THE BIVALVES Shucking Competition: Primitus: 30 enthusiastic amateurs will shuck-off in the “Chef’s Cup” for bragging rights and a chance to compete at the pro-level. Secundus: The “Invitational” sees 24 of the country’s top shuckers compete to represent Ontario at the Canadian championships in PEI. Winner from the Canadian championship competes in the World Oyster Shucking Competition in Ireland. WHAT: A party that’s not only a shuckin’ good time, but also a shuckin’ good deal! Whole lobsters at $20; Beer, Wine, Bubbly and Caesars at $3.50/glass; Oysters, Coliseum Chili (meat or veggie) and Shrimp Gazpacho at $5/plate or bowl. Music from DJ Soulcial, Piece o’ the Rock and headliners Ride the Tiger. All proceeds go to Environmental Defence charity. TICKETS: Advance – $33 per person and includes 2 drinks and a plate of 5 oysters or chili; tickets are available for purchase online before the event at www.rodneysoysterhouse.com or at the gate for $40 per person. This annual event has a tradition of selling out, so get your tickets early. ABOUT OYSTER FEST (rodneysoysterhouse.com): The annual Ontario Oyster Festival has been raising funds to benefit Environmental Defence, Rodney’s Oyster House’s long-time charitable partner for 27 years. To date, we’ve raised over $100,000. ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all. -30- For more information, images or interview requests, please contact: Stephanie Kohls, Environmental Defence, 416-323-9521 ext. 232 or 416-885-7847 (cell)